TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY WHEN WILDFIRE STRIKES
When immediate evacuation is necessary, follow these steps as soon as possible to get ready to GO!
Evacuation: What to Take and Do:
1. Review your Evacuation Plan Checklist.
2. Ensure your Emergency Supply Kit is in your vehicle.
3. Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable.
4. Locate your pets and take them with you.
WHEN TO EVACUATE
Leave as soon as evacuation is recommended by fire officials to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Don’t wait to be ordered by authorities to leave. Evacuating the forest fire area early also helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely to do their job. In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate!
Officials will determine the areas to be evacuated and escape routes to use depending upon the fire’s location, behavior, winds, terrain, etc.
Law enforcement agencies are typically responsible for enforcing an evacuation order. Follow their directions promptly.
You will be advised of potential evacuations as early as possible. You must take the initiative to stay informed and aware. Listen to your radio/TV for announcements from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
You may be directed to temporary assembly areas to await transfer to a safe location.
The terms “Voluntary” and “Mandatory” are used to describe evacuation orders. However, local jurisdictions may use other terminology such as “Precautionary” and “Immediate Threat.” These terms are used to alert you to the significance of the danger. All evacuation instructions provided by officials should be followed immediately for your safety.
Do not return to your home until fire officials determine it is safe. Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility.
WHEN YOU RETURN HOME:
Be alert for downed power lines and other hazards.
Check propane tanks, regulators, and lines before turning gas on.
Check your residence carefully for hidden embers or smoldering fires.
HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP YOU BE PREPARED IN THE EVENT OF AN EVACUATION:
• Create digital copies of your personal papers so they are easily accessible with an external hard drive or removable thumb drive. (In the event of an emergency it is much easier to
grab an external hard drive than a CPU.) For additional security, there are programs available that allow you to encrypt these documents before you save them.
• Scan and save photo albums digitally and then store them on the cloud. (If you don’t have a scanner, a store that offers print services should be able to do this for you for a fee.)
• Snap a quick picture of any valuable items that you are not able to take with you. (This may be helpful for insurance purposes later, e.g., artwork)
• Backup your data regularly. You will have the most up-to-date data to get you or your business back up and running.
SOURCE: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Evacuation-Steps/ & DTCI Desktop Consulting